Orleans is a suburb in the east end of the city, along the Ottawa River, about 16 km from Downtown Ottawa. Orleans contains a significant francophone population and is known for its beach at Petrie Island, situated along the Ottawa River in the north-east of Orleans. The 2 km by 500 m area, from the foot of Champlain St. to Trim Rd in Orleans, has a total shoreline length, including all channels and bays, of about 12 km.  

Petrie Island is home to turtles in some of its sheltered lagoons and has a nature centre for learning more about the local environment. There is also a marina with canoe and kayak rentals and Petrie Island is known for hosting a wonderful annual Canada Day celebration for the Orleans community. Furthermore, there are also several nature trails and paths throughout Orleans, including some in the Bilberry Creek Trail and the Princess Louise Trail (incl. a waterfall) through which Taylor Creek runs. For families, there are two big recreation complexes, the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex and Ray Friel Recreation Complex. A variety of recreation programs are offered at both of these Complexes, including fitness classes, summer camps, indoor cycling, aqua fitness, swimming lessons and general interest programs.  

For those interested in Arts, the Shenkman Arts Centre opened just east of Place d’Orleans Mall in 2009. It is a multidisciplinary arts centre that houses two theatres, seven galleries, and 17 studios. The Centre houses activities within specialized spaces for hands-on instruction, creation and presentation of the visual, performing, literary and media arts and unique spaces for receptions and special events. Most of Orleans’ shopping and big box stores can be found on Innes Road where mostly everything you may need can be found!